2025 Subaru Ascent vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Choosing the right midsize SUV in 2025 means comparing the best in the market, and the Subaru Ascent and Hyundai Santa Fe are both strong contenders. Each brings a distinct blend of styling, technology, and performance to the table, making this comparison essential for drivers prioritizing comfort, capability, and modern features. Whether you’re hauling the family, heading out on weekend adventures, or navigating daily commutes, both of these vehicles aim to meet the needs of today’s versatile lifestyles.

Let’s dive into how the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe compare across categories that matter most: design, technology, performance, and overall value.

Design & Style

The 2025 Subaru Ascent stays true to its rugged roots, maintaining a design that balances utility and refinement. It features clean body lines, a bold front grille, and standard roof rails that signal its readiness for family travel and outdoor exploration. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability, the Ascent presents itself as a practical yet confident SUV. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with available second-row captain’s chairs and flexible third-row seating for up to eight passengers.

On the other hand, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe takes a more dramatic turn in styling with its fully redesigned exterior. Its boxier profile, wider stance, and unique H-shaped LED lighting give it a futuristic, urban-ready appearance. The tailgate opening is larger than before, providing easier access to the cargo area. Inside, the Santa Fe offers an upgraded cabin with premium finishes and a curved panoramic display that spans both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. It’s a visually striking vehicle with a more avant-garde appeal.

Technology & Safety

The Ascent comes standard with the latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. All trims include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, while higher trims offer a 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system and a large 11.6-inch touchscreen. Families will appreciate USB ports in all three rows, built-in Wi-Fi capability, and available navigation. Safety ratings remain high across the board, making it a dependable choice for those who prioritize occupant protection.

The Santa Fe also delivers on safety and tech, starting with a 12.3-inch dual digital display that handles both vehicle data and infotainment controls. The shift-by-wire column shifter allows for additional storage in the center console, where dual wireless charging pads are located. Hyundai SmartSense includes similar advanced features such as forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The tech presentation in the Santa Fe feels futuristic, with the curved display and available digital key adding extra appeal.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Ascent continues with its turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER® engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic® CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Ascent is built for confident handling in all road conditions. Its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is among the best in its class, while X-MODE® enhances grip and control on slippery or uneven terrain.

The Santa Fe offers two engine choices. The standard 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. For eco-conscious drivers, a hybrid option pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce 231 horsepower. While performance specs are impressive, the Santa Fe’s focus leans more toward on-road comfort than rugged off-road capabilities. It offers all-wheel drive but lacks the same ground clearance or trail-ready features found in the Ascent.

The Bottom Line

Both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and Hyundai Santa Fe offer excellent value depending on what matters most to you. If you’re looking for rugged durability, standard all-wheel drive, strong towing ability, and a focus on safety and comfort for all-weather driving, the Ascent stands out. Its well-balanced design, third-row seating, and trail-ready DNA make it a compelling option for active families or those who regularly navigate challenging road conditions.

Alternatively, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe makes a bold statement with its futuristic design and upscale tech experience. Its interior design and hybrid availability cater to a more urban lifestyle and tech-forward audience. Still, for drivers who prioritize versatility, confidence in tough weather, and long-term reliability, the Ascent offers a more practical edge in the midsize SUV category.

Schedule a Test Drive Today

If you’re ready to get behind the wheel and experience the 2025 Subaru Ascent for yourself, we invite you to schedule a test drive with us at Competition Subaru. Our team is here to help you explore the features, answer your questions, and make sure you drive off in the vehicle that suits your needs. Contact us today or visit our dealership to experience why the 2025 Ascent could be your next great adventure companion.